Annual CA125 check-up

[Lils]

I had my CA125 checked yesterday again. For nearly 4 years it has run around 60-80 or so. Yesterday it was 60. I have an u/s every year. Last year a cyst with debris was found. Nothing else ever found. I was also dx w/ melanoma nearly 4 years ago and have been seen by a gyn onc at a major cancer center. Due to melanoma, I've had numerous scans. They never find anything gynecologically speaking other than normal functioning looking cysts. I just talked to my NP at my local gyn onc's office. I'm to go have my annual u/s. If it checks out ok, we'll repeat in 6 months and then move to anuually after 5 years (next year). I am confused though. Very confused. Yes, I am happy nothing has been found and feel I've been checked thoroughly. And she told me the fact that its been 4 years is a good sign and sometimes we shouldn't "go looking" for trouble that isn't there. But she also said that it is extremely rare for someone to have a persistent elevated CA125 that turns out to be nothing. Typically it eventually shows to be cancer. What do you all think? I've also had a fibroid in the past, but last u/s a year ago said no fibroid now. I'm just perplexed. I don't know whether to feel good that they haven't found anything on a u/s in 4  years now, or to be concerned that the shoe is about to drop at any time because a persistent elevated CA125 typically means cancer is lurking. Your thoughts? Thanks.

[Angie_Lou]

You mentioned you have had a dx of melanoma, but didn't specify if it was related to an organ in your pelvic area.  So, it's a little confusing why you would have a CA 125 test done every year since your dx of melanoma.  If you never had any symptoms of OVCA and the CTs are clean, a level of 60 does not necessarily mean OVCA is lurking in the background.

I read the summary on the CA 125 test from the Quest Diagnositcs website.  Under the interpretive information, it states that there are non-malignant disorders that can elevate this level in women that have not been dx with OVCA, which is one reason it is not a reliable test for women with no symptoms or evidence of OVCA.  And copied right from this webpage: "elevated levels have also been reported to occur during menstruation..."   So, depending if you still menstrate and when you have the test drawn can affect this level.

Therefore, I agree with your doctor, "don't go looking for trouble" and continue to be proactive by taking your annual tests.  I hope your future u/s & other tests continue to be clear as they have been for you in the past 4 years.

My best, Angie

[Teresa222]

The fact that we who have pre-existing conditions can get coverage as long as our previous health insurance premiums do not lapse, is called "Guarantee Issue." It is very expensive, but a necessity in all cases.  I am now paying $1936.00 per month until my Medicare kicks in.  Everyone must do whatever is necessary to KEEP insurance current. If it means going into retirement funds or selling off items, we must do it.
Teresa

[Lils]

I get insurance through employers. I have thought I'd need to always get it through a large employer who is more likely to NOT have pre-existing clauses. But I have since learned that as long as I don't have a break in coverage, no new plan can deny me. When I said I didn't have insurance last year, I actually was under my husband's, but at the time I did not go to the Dr. for fear of having a pre-existing condition under my future insurance. With smaller companies, they often have pre-existing clauses if you've been seen or consulted with a Dr. in the prior 6 months. I now work in the insurance industry, but prior to that, I learned to not accept any job offers unless their medical, std, ltd, and life insurance had no pre-existing clauses. But again, someone responded to me in my melanoma support group by telling me even with pre-existing condition clauses w/ insurance, as long as you don't have a gap in coverage, you're fine. That's why if someone with pre-existing conditions leaves a job and has a gap in employment, it is CRUCIAL that you pay for Cobra or get on your spouse's medical insurance and do not have a gap. But of course we all know there is no way someone like me could get individual insurance coverage. And there is no way to get individual life insurance or supplemental life insurance through an employer. And if you go too long without medical coverage (I think 63 days but don't quote me), then you can be denied for pre-existing conditions.

[cuisinier_specialise]

HOW did you manage to get insurance with a previous cancer DX????

just curios... thankx in advance!!!!

[Lils]

I didn't have insurance last year so I did not follow-up on the cyst, but my CT scan in December of '08 said things look fine in that area (done at a major cancer center). I did not have insurance for a while. I'm needing to get my ultrasound done here soon. I'm debating whether to get it done now or after my trip to Orlando Jul 19-26. I want to know answers, but I don't want to ruin my vacation if it is something bad. I probably should have follow-up more before now on the cyst but I've had many tumor markers and spots in my body with nothing found to be cancerous. I get a little lax when I probably shouldn't. I'm wondering how common it is to have an elevated CA125 for so long with nothing to come of it. It actually went down a little this last draw last week.

[lactac1224]

Did you say that last year you had a cyst with debris?  What happened with that cyst?  Did it go away or did you have it removed?  My OVCA was diagnosed by US as a cyst with debris.  It did not go away so they did a dopler US then a laparotomy.

I really don't know about the elevated CA 125.  Mine has always been normal.  Are you having any "symptoms"?  I know that people often just don't feel well when something is going on.  You know your body best!

Hope all turns out well!!!

Laura  :)